Igor Peternel criticized the funding of the controversial exhibition 'Are You Clean', which focuses on preparations for homosexual intercourse, by a coalition of Croatian political parties in Parliament.
Recently, the Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media, led by Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek from the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), financed an exhibition by Luka Pešun titled 'Are You Clean'. The exhibition, which opened on December 16, 2025, at the Miroslav Kraljević Gallery, deals with themes surrounding the cleansing and preparation of the rectum for homosexual relations. This funding issue was raised in Parliament by Igor Peternel, a representative from the DOMiNO party, who highlighted that the financial backing for such a provocative content reflects a coalition between HDZ, the Homeland Movement (DP), and the 'We Can' party.
In his speech, Peternel condemned the exhibition and the political alliance behind its funding, referring to them as the coalition of 'brotherhood and unity'. His remarks point to the controversial nature of the exhibition and the reactions it has elicited from various quarters of Croatian society, particularly regarding cultural liberalism and its acceptance in the public sphere. Peternel's stance reflects a broader cultural debate in Croatia regarding the support for LGBTQ+ themes in art and public funding for such initiatives.
The implications of this funding and Peternel's criticism highlight the tensions in Croatian politics concerning cultural expression, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of government support in the arts. As this issue unfolds, it may lead to stronger opposition from conservative factions and push the discussion about inclusivity and representation in Croatian art into the spotlight.
